Mad Margritt – ‘Love, Hate and Deception’

posted 17 Jan 2017, 12:44 by Paul Woodward

(Perris
Records)

Review
by Woody

I’ve got a few Mad Margritt albums and they are one of
those bands that have some great songs but their albums always tend to be a bit
patchy quality wise. With Love Hate and Deception
once again the patchiness of the song quality does affect the overall
impression of the album. There is some quality talent within the band and this
does shine through on occasion with some quality vocal moments, infectious
guitar riffs and the powerful rhythm section. But as I’ve said before no matter
how good a musician you are if the songs don’t hit the mark it’s irrelevant.
There are elements to Mad Margritt’s style that should garner them a stronger
cult following but I fear the inconsistency of their albums holds them back a
little.

They have sleaze touches but their sound harks back to
the early Nineties metal scene – think Slave
To The Grind era Skid Row. Although their sound does owe a lot to that era
in general they do mix some modern metal style guitar riffs and vocal touches
in to give them an updated and contemporary take on the style. I’m sure fans of
those type of bands will enjoy the sharp metallic guitar riffs and rolling deep
rhythm section that gives them a heavy edge.

Oddly given the energy and momentum the band plough
into their songs it’s actually the Ballads where they seem to shine for me.
It’s on these songs where the band actually get quite emotional and it gives
the songs a stirring quality. ‘Broken’ and ‘It’s Time To Say Goodbye’ are both
surprisingly heartfelt and emotive, with the acoustic instrumental ‘Into The
Light’ been a good mood setter for ‘It’s Time To Say Goodbye’.

Love
Hate and Deception just lacks that something, the missing x
factor, that would make these songs stick out and linger in your memory. I don’t
find it demands your attention, so when you’ve played it through you’re not
pressing repeat immediately. I do feel established Mad Margritt fans will be
happy though, it’s got a quality production which helps and I think they would
be less critical than myself.

Track
Listing: Liar / The One You Love To Hate / Take Your Best Shot
/ Broken / Never Enough / I’m Over You / Into The Light / It’s Time I Told You
Goodbye / Bad Obsession